In this article, we will go through each position on Draftkings and provide one expensive, one average, and one cheap salary player that are suitable for cash games this Sunday. We also decided to be generous (‘tis the season) so we provided one bonus play for each position as well. In general, the aim in cash games is for players to reach 3 times their salary (or more) in Draftkings points.
For example, if your player costs $7,000, then the aim is for that player to reach at least 21 points in order to be a good value play. Also, in cash games you are not trying to beat the entire field, but be better than half of the field in order to cash. For this reason, you should be focusing on players who are guaranteed to see a lot of touches and who are in good situations in that particular week. One other thing that is important to look at is the weather forecast, which becomes a lot more important as the year goes on and the weather gets cooler.
With all of the cold and rainy games in the forecast, this week appears to be a good time to pay up at running back and save money elsewhere. At the end of this article, we will provide a cash lineup that uses some of the recommended plays this week to give you an idea of how to construct a successful week 15 lineup.
Quarterback:
While Matt Ryan is an expensive play, he’s a very safe one.
Expensive (>$7,000): Matt Ryan ($7,300) vs. 49ers
Matt Ryan is the most expensive quarterback on Draftkings this week and for good reason. He provides an extremely high floor, with his worst game being 13.68 points in week 10. Also, the matchup is extremely favorable for Ryan this week. The 49ers have allowed 9 multi-touchdown games from opposing quarterbacks and an average QB rating of 97.9. The only thing that could potentially slow down Ryan’s production this week are his teammates, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. While the 49ers have been putrid against the pass, they have been even worse against the run and Ryan might not be forced to use his arm much in this game.
Average ($6,000-$7,000): Jameis Winston ($6,100) @ Cowboys
At first glance, Jameis Winston may not seem like the best cash game play this week. Winston is coming off 3 straight weeks under 20 DK points and is playing the first-place Cowboys in a game with massive playoff implications. But when you dig a bit deeper, this matchup gets a lot juicier. First of all, the Cowboys pass defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing opposing quarterbacks an average QB rating of 98.89. Also, the Cowboys have never allowed less than 10 DK points to an opposing quarterback this season, which is impressively poor when you see some of the quarterbacks they have faced (Blaine Gabbert, Cody Kessler). Next, Vegas pegs the Cowboys as seven point favorites, which should favor a more pass-oriented game flow for the Bucs. Finally, Winston is playing in one of the few games that will not be affected by weather this week as Dallas’ stadium is indoors.
Cheap ($7,000): Lesean McCoy ($8,900) vs. Browns
Lesean McCoy is a clear choice for cash games this week as he plays Cleveland at home and the Bills are 10 point favorites. McCoy has averaged 26.8 DK points at home and Cleveland is allowing the second most DK points to running backs this season. While Mike Gillislee has been vulturing touchdowns as of late, McCoy is still a safe bet to score in this game as the potential for a long run is very high. McCoy is who you should be building your cash game lineups around this week.
Average ($5,000-$7,000): DeMarco Murray ($6,900) @ Chiefs
DeMarco Murray has been one of the most consistent fantasy players this season, with over 20 DK points in 9 games this season. His last three games have been less than stellar, but this week provides a good bounce back opportunity. First of all, the temperature should drop into the single digits in this game, which should lead to a more run-oriented Titan offense. Also, while the Chiefs appear to be good against the run on paper, they just lost linebacker Derrick Johnson for the season. After Johnson left the game last week, the Raiders averaged 5 YPC vs. 2.9 YPC when he was in the game.
Cheap ($7,000): Mike Evans ($8,300) @ Cowboys
Mike Evans is coming off of two disappointing performances but appears poised for a big game against the Cowboys. In comparing to the other big name wide receivers, Evans is one of the few who will not be affected by the weather in Week 15. Nothing is worse than paying $8,000 for a wide receiver, only to see them become a victim of bad weather. The Cowboys have also been torched by big name receivers, with Odell Beckham, Desean Jackson, Steve Smith, and Antonio Brown all getting over 90 yards and a touchdown in recent weeks. The Buccaneers are also road underdogs, which will likely lead to a more pass-oriented attack.
Average ($5,000-$7,000): Jordan Matthews ($5,400) @ Ravens
Jordan Matthews might seem like a bizarre recommendation for cash games this week. For one, we recommend the Ravens defense further down this article. Also, Matthews has failed to reach 3x value in each of the last five weeks. On the other hand, Matthews has been getting a very consistent amount of targets, with 10+ in 5 of the last 6 weeks. Also, the Ravens have been very susceptible to the pass, allowing at least 50 yards or more to slot WRs in 6 of the last 7 weeks. Finally, the Ravens dominant run defense, will likely force the Eagles to abandon the run more often than normal and focus on the passing game.
Cheap ($5,000): Travis Kelce ($5,900) vs. Titans
Travis Kelce has been on fire in recent weeks, with 4 consecutive games over 18 DK points. He will look to continue that against a Titans defense that is middle of the pack at defending tight ends. The Titans defense has also benefited from facing many poor tight ends in recent weeks, such as Daniel Brown, AJ Derby, and Richard Rodgers. While it is generally not recommended to spent up at tight end in cash games, Kelce has shown consistency in recent weeks and would not be a bad option.
Average ($3,500-$5,000): Kyle Rudolph ($4,300) vs. ColtsKyle Rudolph has seen an enormous amount of targets in recent weeks, averaging 10 in his last three games. If the targets continue against the Colts, he will easily hit value against a very poor pass defense.
Kyle Rudolph has seen an enormous amount of targets in recent weeks, averaging 10 in his last three games. If the targets continue against the Colts, he will easily hit value against a very poor pass defense.
Cheap ($3,500): Bills ($3,700) vs. Browns
Facing the Browns at home. Enough said.
Average ($3,000-$3,500): Ravens ($3,100) vs. Eagles
The Ravens have scored less than 6 DK points only twice this season and face a depleted Eagles offense in Baltimore. Philadelphia will likely have trouble moving the ball in Baltimore as they face the best run defense in the league and are without Darren Sproles, an important safety valve for Carson Wentz. Wentz has also struggled on the road, throwing more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (7).
Cheap (
